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The leading force behind the New York Times’ decision to publish the Pentagon Papers in 1971, James Goodale will discuss his recent book, Fighting for the Press: The Inside Story of the Pentagon Papers and Other Battles.

Soon after the book was published, James Goodale wrote an article based on the last few chapters: “Is Obama Worse For Press Freedom Than Nixon?” (The Daily Beast, May 14, 2013). This drew a torrent of commentary from the press. That, and subsequent articles about the dangers of criminalizing newsgathering by the Obama Administration, most certainly had an effect in getting Pfc. Bradley Manning let off the charge of committing espionage, i.e., aiding the enemy. There is no underestimating the power of the pen.